We had a nice day yesterday. It was such a pretty fall day that we decided to take a drive. We headed east and found a little community of retirement homes.We decided to take a look. We had never seen one of these, but had read their advertisements in the newspapers. We got in the salesman's car and started looking. A couple were way too small. The last one was pretty much the size we would need. It was so beautiful inside. Wonderful big kitchen with double oven and with eating area, living room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling, three nice sized bedrooms with walk in closets, baths, one with a whirlpool tub and skylights, mudroom with sink with cabinets above and counter top for folding...a place to hang things as they come out of the drier.We were really amazed at the size and quality of this home. The salesman said an even nicer one was being built...this one that is being finished... had 3 bedrooms with an office with built in desk and cabinets for storage. We sat there in his office after looking and heard his sales pitch. We were most interested, but didn't sign anything yesterday. Coming home and driving down our road...we saw our house in the distance. It looked so welcoming. Everything in the house has been replaced, with new roof, deck, front porch, new landscaping, new furnace and air conditioner (just installed) new appliances in the past couple of years. Why would we want to move? The feature that is supposed to grab us on the newer house... is the lessening of work around the outside. Very small lawn, tiny trees, little mowing and shoveling and then the feature of people our age close by. As I was looking at the new house, I was subconsciously looking at where would my orchids go, where would I put my rocker...to gaze out the window, what view would there be from my computer, how would we ever fit all of our things into this house and most of all....what would I have to get rid of? These were my thoughts, while Joe was looking at furnaces and wondering if they are energy efficient, checking the flooring under the carpets, would there be a maintenance fee, who is responsible for this and that... We have only just started looking for something easier to take care of and we may find the perfect home for us. But, until that day comes....I'm in no hurry...we can afford to hire help when we need it, and as I said everything is pretty much new. So, I will continue looking out at the woods and filling the feeders and sitting in my favorite chair as long as I can. The bigger home will be ready for us to look at in a couple of weeks...until then I'll be planning my Thanksgiving dinner for part of our family and enjoying the home we have.
Balisha
11 comments:
It's easy to get caught up in something new, it seems to snowball as we are looking. The new home sounds beautiful and everything you could want. But I totally understand what it's like to feel the comfort in a home you have put together piece by piece. We had always thought of this as a "starter home", but now that some of the kids have flown the nest, it's perfect and I have so many memories here.
If I can ask, what part of Northern Illinois are you in? I'm on the south edge of Chicago.
XO,
Jane
Balisha, you will know
if and when this is to take place.
I am settled in my smaller home.
One bedroom, great room with the kitchen at one end and utility room
That is my living space and then loft guest area with bedroom,bath, small sitting room with television
Inside I am fine but need to stop grooming the woods and just take care of around cottage and have more help. I figure it is less inexpensive for me to stay here.
All is fine unless I have a serious health problem...
This just proves that home is way more than bricks and mortar. With two full-time incomes and no children, Mark and I could afford something much more glamorous than our current house. We just don't want to leave our lovely neighbours and friends, loads of happy memories and a place that fits us 'just right'! Jx
Hi Jane,
We are really just investigating our options. We have seen ads in the paper and wondered if they were all that they said they were.Some of our friends have moved into condos which I don't think we want. We are spoiled...we live in a beautiful wooded development ...it's in Byron, Il. on the Blackhawk Trail along the Rock River. I think we will probably just stay here.
Balisha
Hi Jan,
We live in a mixed neighborhood some older folks and many, many young ones. I think we would miss seeing the younger people by living in a retirement neighborhood.
Balisha
Hi Ernestine...
I thought about you, when we were looking yesterday. You have space around you...these developments homes are so close together. Not much yard. You and I both have had to stop doing some things in our yards. I know it has bothered me and I think you too. So hard to look out the window and not be able to do what I used to do...and this really bothers me. It's getting better, but if I didn't have that scene out the window...I'm afraid I would be miserable.
It's really hard to grow old, when you think you can still do it all.
Balisha
You must have a huge home because 3 bedrooms to me is not down sizing.
New always sounds nice.But familar is best.
Cathy
It's too early to move, I guess. Happy moments in your house. Regula
Balisha, we think alike. I love looking out at the woods and fields. Tried a smaller home in the city and all I saw was homes around me. My small home seems larger then it is because of two story ceilings...have a good day.
Fun to dream.
Hi everyone...We slept on it and changed our minds....on this development anyway. Like Jane said,"It's easy to get caught up in something new." We don't have a huge house, but three bedrooms we will always have. A room for us, a guest room and a room for our computers. The surrounding yard is huge. That's pretty much what we have trouble maintaining.
Balisha
It's great if you can find the help you need when you need it and stay where you are to enjoy the upgrades you've done. No harm in looking. Follow your heart!
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